Have You Seen This Purloined Pig?

The New Orleans Police Department is asking for the public's help in locating a stolen pig statue, snatched from in front of a business in the 3400 block of Esplanade Ave. on the morning of May 1.

The statue is a pig dressed in a chef's outfit, holding a sign that reads "EAT MORE CRAWFISH".

Police spokesman Frank Robertson says the statue is valued at $6700, and was taken from a business that had a themed marquee. He says the police don't have any leads at this time, "But hopefully we will after we air this."

The NOLA Defender is reporting the pig statue was taken from in front of a home, where it was placed for a private Jazz Fest crawfish boil. The 3400 block of Esplanade Ave. is a residential neighborhood, and we will update this post with more information as it becomes available.

A $6700 value makes the thief or thieves liable for the most stringent penalties under Louisiana's felony theft law, including imprisonment with or without hard labor for up to ten years, a fine of up to $3000, or both.

Detective Robert Stoltz is in charge of the investigation. Police are asking anyone with information on the theft of the statue or its current whereabouts to contact Detective Stoltz at (504) 658-6012 or rfstoltz@nola.gov — or call Crimestoppers toll-free at 1-877-903-7867.